Director is finally heard from

“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas”

Jim Carrey, Max the Dog

Universal, $30

Last holiday season, Universal released a DVD of its 2000 blockbuster, directed by Ron Howard and starring Carrey as the big green meanie. It featured the obligatory extras, such as deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes featurettes and even recipes. But because Howard was working on “A Beautiful Mind,” he wasn’t available to supply a commentary track.

Howard did have time this year. The result is a two-disc deluxe edition that features all the extras from last year’s disc, plus more recipes, interactive games for the kiddies and the observations of Howard. He is an articulate and witty guide through the production of this lavish film, which spread across 11 sound stages at Universal Studios in Hollywood.

*

“Major League Baseball

Memorable Moments: The 30 Most Memorable Moments in Baseball History”

Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds

Q Video and Major League Baseball Productions, $15 for VHS, $20 for DVD

Baseball fans should enjoy this slickly produced glimpse at 30 moments that defined our “national pastime.” Don’t look for huge insights: The 30 highlights are covered in a scant 85 minutes (135 on the DVD). Among the magical moments are Ruth’s going to the New York Yankees from the Boston Red Sox in 1920, Lou Gehrig’s “farewell” speech in 1939, Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak and Bobby Thomson’s Shot Heard ‘Round the World in 1951. Each moment includes clips, photos and interviews with players, experts and historians.

-- Susan King